Finally it has truly snowed in this country... it's not too much,about 2 ft but they ain't used to it so everything is coming to a standstill.
I still remember,with cold chills in my bones,the winters on the Rez. It dropped to the -20's easy. The wind cut through all layers and hair would turn brittle.
There was of course the winter nights when I would be digging the Sweat Lodge out of the snow and getting a fire going.Stepping out from the Inipi at the end with just shorts into the snow and night air. it was always worth it as the stars seemed to sparkle even brighter and good prayers had been shared.
....back to the present and the experience from today's expedition for sledging....
Here in England it doesn't take long to see the frailties and this wonderful pure blanket upon Unci Maka uncovers as well covers.
They were rationing the milk,all bread was gone from every store's shelves and other basics were scarce if not disappeared completely. Everything had pretty much closed down and most cars sat abandoned. adorned with a bloating and softening of form as the snow gently settled on the first surface that greeted each flake.
The sledging was fun... especially having spun about 180 and thus sliding backwards down the hill. soon time passed and the feet of children were being to hurt as the wet,cold snow bit into them.
So with flushed faces,coffee on the mind and icy water seeping under and between the clothing layers we started back. Exaggerated steps took us through the deep snow until upon the road.
As the only 4x4 car I had seen was flaunting it's snow gripping abilities I heard how dampened noises had become. There was no other traffic to be heard and just the sound of feet upon snow and the waterproof pants rubbing as people walked.
We were approaching a bridge that took the road over the motorway and scattered people were walking towards us. It was unusual to see so many people out walking.Most drive their cars everywhere or hide in their little boxes.
It was eerie... I was struck with the feel of them all being the walking dead.They felt soulless and most had expressionless faces.. just the quiet of feet upon snow. I looked ahead and down the long road that led to the village up another hill. Cars lined the side of the road. Dark,shuffling forms moving.
I felt the sense of seeing a future not too far away. I felt so alive compared to these others.
Luckily I had the company of my brother,two of his kids,a friend and two of his also. We had life. we were smiling,chatting.... but all three of us felt the same thing... this was like a Winter Zombie Land.
